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Psalms of Lament
Brian Mashburn
November 9, 2014
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Psalms of Lament
"Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" - Psalm 10:1
Each of us has an understanding of God that shapes how we deal with life. This understanding has become a part of our spiritual DNA and effects how we deal with all of life. It is interesting that we have only partial control of this reality. Our parent's faith has shaped what we think of God. Our past experiences have shaped how we live life. Our church's beliefs and understanding of how God both works and how he doesn't work has formed us in ways we often do not understand.
So, what happens when our understanding of how God works is challenged? For many, we grew up hearing that if we do the right thing then God will bless us. This is certainly a biblical idea found throughout the text. However, it is not the only word on the subject. What are we to do when life throws us a curve ball? What are we to do when our hearts are destroyed by life circumstances? What are we to do when God seems to have left us to fend for ourselves? What are we to do when we feel abandoned?
Lament: a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. The Bible is full of it and so is life. Today we will engage in the reality that life is not always okay, the world does not always function well, and that God seems more than okay with our struggle with Him and with where life is going. It's not a fun journey, but it is one that changes our understanding of the Father and of our relationship to Him.